16 Questions with the Millen Sisters

Photo @themillensisters

Meet Sabrina A. and Sonya Ni’Cole Millen, known as The Millen Sisters. This family duo is a growing force in the entertainment world. Originally from New Jersey, the twins now reside in Los Angeles, where they currently pursue their music and acting aspirations. From performing at the Critic’s Choice Awards after party, appearing in films and on Disney television shows, to modeling and brand ambassador gigs, the girls stay quite busy.

Beauty anthropology had a chance to ask 16 questions on how these sisters maintain balance in the hectic world of showbiz.

1. Where do you draw musical inspiration?

We draw our inspirations from those who came before us. They give us the strength to keep going no matter what door closes or obstacle we have to endure.

2. Do you have a special morning ritual or routine to get your day started?

Yes. We get up and thank God for another day. Drink a bottle of water. We do our vocals early. Then eat!

3. What are 3 favorite songs you can’t seem to get out of your head right now?

Tough question. We have so many favorites. There are thousands of songs we love! Sabrina: “Someday We’ll All Be Free” by Jonny Hathaway. “Got to Give the People What They Want” by the O’Jays and “Feedback” by Janet Jackson. Sonya: “The Making of You” by Curtis Mayfield, “Exodus” by Bob Marley and “Lay Me Down Easy” by The Isley Brothers

4. We see you two are brand ambassadors for RastAfri Braid! What’s been your favorite hairstyle using their products?

Sonya: RastAfri has been amazing to us. We forever will thank them for their support and the opportunity they presented to us. My favorite style is the Malibu Afro Kinky. I love how versatile it is. You can do dreads, twists, and wear it out in a gigantic fro which is my go to.

Sabrina: I love the BoraBora Curl. The curls are so bouncy and soft. The length is perfect; it is not heavy no matter how much hair is installed.

Photo @themillensisters

5. How do you define self-confidence?

To us, confidence is completely being yourself. Knowing who you are and making no apology for it.

6. Do you ever get stage fright?

Before a performance, we get a slight, jittery feeling as most performers have, but those are natural nerves. You want to do well and make people happy. Sometimes that can be pressure but it is all so worth it.

7. How do you manage any challenges regarding work/ life balance?

There are always challenges in this life and for sure in the entertainment business. We would say this year so far is trying to balance the career, work, and personal life. It can get busy with no time to enjoy [having a personal] life. Sometimes you have to take a step back to analyze what is most important, which is family, good health and most importantly God.

8. What’s your favorite skincare product?

We love Lush products. They are vegan and cruelty-free. They use ingredients you can name and spell! It is so important to be educated on what your products contain. Everything is so fresh you can almost eat it. We also use Nubian Heritage, Derma E, Everyone Moisturizer, and Alaffia skin care. They all are natural products that take pride in quality ingredients.

9. What’s the best thing about being a twin?

Photo @themillensisters

The best, coolest thing about being a twin is having a best friend right from the start. We get each other. We are so close and can share almost anything with one another. We have each other’s back and don’t care how silly we are together. It is just pure fun! Nothing else matters once we are together! We are soulmates!

10. What’s your favorite spot to unwind and relax in Los Angeles?

We love hanging out at Amoeba Music store in Hollywood. They have all sorts of music there! We go to Whole Foods and random health food stores all the time; we just have so much fun buying vegan snacks. We love ice cream shops too. Griffith Park is a spot we love to go and workout. Gotta stay fit!

11. Coffee or tea?

Neither!! We would go with a hot chocolate over both of them, but if we must choose w will go with tea! We do [drink] tea often, it is a healthy beverage choice.

12. What’s your favorite part of performing live?

We perform not for ourselves but for the people. It is all about them. We love to convey messages in our music to strengthen and to help someone. That is why we sing. While up on stage to see smiles and people moving makes us so excited to do what we do.

13. Do you believe the #Metoo Movement has struggled to take off in the music industry?

We think the #Metoo Movement has been great for music. Music is an outlet that guides many. People look to those in music for inspiration. We have many female artists now who are stepping up and are not being afraid to talk about their inner thoughts. It is such a beautiful thing to feel empowered and beautiful in this day when it is so easy to feel vulnerable and weak, especially with the rise of social media.

14. What is one piece of advice you have for women who are building a career in the music industry?

The music industry is a beast and not for the weak or shallow. You must be diligent in what you want. Be strong, work hard and turn your head away from negative people. If you do not want to compromise your integrity then don’t allow yourself to fall under pressure. You are in control of your decisions; you create your destiny and can choose wisely. It may take you longer to get to where you desire to be, but at least you did not sell your soul. Surround yourself with loving, understanding people.

15. What’s your favorite movie?

Sabrina: My favorite movie is Waiting To Exhale. I love that movie. It is such a classic and so real.

Sonya: Once they make a walking dead movie that will probably be my favorite! Ok alright, I love Life! Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy are so funny together.

16. Who’s your style inspiration?

Our style is ‘funky old school’ so for sure Diana Ross, Cher, Chaka Khan. So many to acknowledge. The 60s and 70s are what we are hip to. Just everything about it. The Titanic-sized afros, bouffant wigs, bell bottoms, glitter boots—it’s just us.